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A Thin Goal Line Between Love & Hate | Week 11

Randal Kennedy
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A Thin Goal Line Between Love & Hate | Week 11

In the aftermath of World War II the United States emerged as the world’s foremost superpower. Government support programs born from FDR’s New Deal gave rise to a booming economy ignited by more expendable income than any time in American history. The bumper-crop of children flouting this income were known affectionately as, Baby Boomers.

Boomers would become the largest single generation to that point and their numbers had a tremendous effect on popular culture and the economy. Savvy marketers targeted their demographic and developed products and geared entertainment to Boomers’ needs and interests. For their part, the youngsters fought to define their identities through these products. One product in particular was Rock and Roll music.

Rock & Roll celebrated love and rebellion unlike anything before and Baby Boomers flocked to it. It was easy to listen to and relatable on a level unlike any music before it, and it’s popularity gave rise to the first Rock concert. Held in Cleveland Ohio, it was a rousing success. The genre would become ingrained in American identity and Cleveland would go on to become the home of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Another Hall of Fame would eventually call Cleveland home – Pro Football, which fought to define and redefine itself in much the same way as the Baby Boomers who helped popularize the All-American Sport.

Post-war pro football grew with the economy and its popularity gave birth to the Pro Bowl and sudden-death overtime. A rule significant in the 1958 NFL Championship Game. In a game that some would call the greatest ever, Colts fullback Alan Ameche took a handoff from QB Johnny Unitas and plunged across the goal-line for the game-winning touchdown in the NFL’s first-ever sudden-death playoff game.

It took eighty-nine years, eighty yards, four quarters and one overtime to get there but the NFL had arrived. Hopefully, we won’t have that much trouble finding the goal-line this week. Time to do Raymond Berry and Frank Gifford proud.

Running Backs

Todd Gurley hasn’t been spectacular this year. He hasn’t even been particularly great but what he has been remarkably consistent. He’s padded his less than stellar numbers with a healthy number of goal-line opportunities and that has made him one of this column’s favorite players in 2020. He’s scored nine touchdowns so far and I can’t think of another player with his guaranteed workload.

Antonio Gibson is 7 for 9 in goal-to-go situations this year and while the Bengals have been much better against the run lately, I’m still betting the youngster from Memphis scratches again this week.

On the other side of the field, Bengals RB Joe Mixon looks doubtful again. In the two games prior to facing the Steelers Gio Bernard averaged more than 20 PPR points per game filling in for the injured Mixon. He has that kind of upside this week against the Washington Football Team that is excellent rushing the passer but leaky against opposing running backs.

We welcomed Nick Chubb back last week and what a shot in the arm he was for weary fantasy owners. As we slogged through an injury-riddled 2020, we almost didn’t care that he stepped out one foot shy of the goal line, preserving the win for the Browns and providing his stamp on the backfield. This week he gets the Eagles who surrender 4.8 adjusted fantasy points against opposing RBs.

Others I like:
Mike Davis
James Robinson
Gus Edwards

Wide Receivers

The Panthers once stingy secondary has completely collapsed the last two weeks (Granted they’ve faced Mahomes and Brady but I digress) Matt Stafford is no slouch. If Kenny Golladay suits up, he’ll show out.

Cole Beasley, Jakobi Meyers, and Mecole Hardman. This trio is not exactly striking fear into the hearts of opponents but all three have carved up a struggling Jets secondary in recent weeks. It’s almost not fair that they have to face Mike Williams and Keenan Allen on Sunday. Almost.

While the weather in Cleveland put a severe damper on both passing games last week, WR Brandin Cooks still earned a 27% target share and has had at least 8 targets five games in a row. It took them a while to build chemistry but he clearly has the trust of his QB.

In the one game Andy Dalton finished this season he peppered rookie CeeDee Lamb with 11 targets. The former Sooner responded with 7 catches for 64 yards. This week they get the Vikings porous secondary.

Others I like:
Terry McLaurin
Jakobi Meyers
Michael Thomas

Tight Ends

This position group is a complete horror show. It’s akin to a Rob Zombie movie. You’d rather be anywhere else doing anything else but there you are watching A House of 1000 Corpses. We were so excited for the return of Austin Hooper & Dallas Goedert. Then they combined for five catches. If you don’t have Travis Kelce this group is a dart throw every week… so let’s throw some darts.

The Buccaneers give up 4.5 adjusted fantasy points-against to the position. Enter Tyler Higbee, who we weren’t high on this preseason but has done a serviceable job in plus matchups.

Yes, I’m going back to Dallas Goedert. Pederson loves scheming for the tight end and they’ve had a week to get back on the same page. Cleveland struggles against the position and the weather might be terrible again. Short passes to the backs and tight ends are right up Wentz’ alley.

Others I like:
Hunter Henry
Mark Andrews
Dalton Schultz

Unmatched | Brian O’Connell vs. Brad Wire

David Marchand
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Unmatched | Brian O’Connell vs. Brad Wire

This week, we have a pair of first-time podcast guests on Unmatched. Join us as a numbers guy, and zoo expert, Brian O’Connell goes up against the O-Line expert Brad Wire. Some fantastic content to help guide you through your Monkey Knife Fight picks this weekend!

The Stream Option (Fantasy Football 2020 – Week 11)

Kyle Larson
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The Stream Option (Fantasy Football 2020 – Week 11)

The Stream Option is a weekly article where The Undroppables explore the best options at Quarterback, Defense, and Tight End that should be available in most leagues.
*Note: ESPN rostership rates were gathered on 11/18/2020 and are subject to change.

Unfortunately, this week’s Stream Option was delayed until Wednesday due to a broken computer. Please excuse our difficulties.

Quarterbacks

Jameis Winston/Taysom Hill – NO vs ATL

With Drew Brees out for the next two weeks, Head Coach Sean Payton has yet to make the call on which of his two quarterbacks will get the start against the league’s worst passing defense. If one is named the starter over the other, I am actually quite bullish on their opportunity with passing game weapons such as Michael Thomas and Alvin Kamara against the incredibly poor Falcons pass defense. The Falcons have allowed the most fantasy points per game this season to opposing QBs. Meanwhile, Jameis Winston was the QB8 over the course of 2019, and, while he had his struggles with interceptions, his propensity to push the ball downfield could open up another layer to this already strong Saints offense. On the other hand, if Taysom Hill is named the starter, an outcome I see as less likely, then he is a must-add on fantasy services, such as ESPN, which have him as TE eligible. ESPN has announced that even if he is named the starter this week, he will keep his TE eligibility, in which case he is likely a top 5 TE option. Winston is rostered in just 15.5% of ESPN leagues while Hill is rostered in 18.2%.

Alex Smith – WAS vs CIN

Alex Smith led the NFL in passing yards in week 10. However, to go along with 390 yards, Smith also posted zero touchdowns as the Football Team elected to hand the ball off in the redzone. In Smith’s start in week 9, he also surpassed 300 yards, passing for 325 yards along with a TD and three interceptions. If Smith plays another clean game, avoiding turnovers and putting a couple of touchdowns on the scoreboard through the air, he could have a very strong fantasy outing. Luckily for Smith, there are very few defenses better for having such a game than the Cincinnati Bengals. The Bengals come into Week 11 allowing the 6th most points per game to opposing fantasy quarterbacks and have allowed over 30 points to opposing offenses in six of their nine games this season. Alex Smith is only rostered in 5.8% of ESPN leagues.

Other options: Kirk Cousins – MIN vs DAL (15.7% rostered)

Tight Ends

As mentioned above, Taysom Hill is likely a top 5 TE option if named the starting QB and your fantasy service allows him to be played at TE.

Logan Thomas – WAS vs CIN

Another QB turned TE, Logan Thomas has seen 6 targets in each of his past two games playing with Alex Smith at Quarterback. As mentioned above, the Bengals defense has been pretty horrendous against the passing game and has allowed a ton of points to opposing offenses this season. To go along with all that, the Bengals also give up the second-most points to fantasy TEs in the NFL. Thomas is only rostered in 24.5% of ESPN leagues.

Austin Hooper – CLE vs PHI

While Hooper put up quite the dud in his first game back from his appendix issues, it is important to look at the context of his Week 10 game. First of all, as our very own MinshewBroFist pointed out in his weekly weather report (Check it out on Sunday mornings), Cleveland vs Houston was one of the worst weather conditions of the week, with the game even being delayed due to rain.

With all this in mind, the Browns only attempted 20 passes during this dreary game. Hooper was targeted on two of these passes, but, more importantly, he played 85% of snaps. In my opinion, this shows that Hooper is ready to go, and he will get another opportunity in Week 11 against an Eagles defense that is allowing the 6th most fantasy points to opposing Tight Ends. Hooper is only rostered in 67.4% of ESPN leagues.

Defenses

Miami Dolphins D/ST – MIA @ DEN

The Dolphins have been one of the biggest surprises this season, and quite a few of their wins have been sparked by strong defensive outings. Currently, the Fins Defense is the seventh highest-scoring defense in all of fantasy. Meanwhile, their week 11 matchup against Denver affords them another opportunity to show out in fantasy. Denver currently allows the 2nd most points to opposing fantasy defenses, and Drew Lock is coming off of a dud game last week against Las Vegas. The Dolphins Defense is only rostered in 67.6% of ESPN leagues.

Los Angeles Chargers D/ST – LAC vs NYJ

The Chargers haven’t had the defensive prowess many expected them to have coming into the year, however, a huge plus-matchup in Week 11 vaults them into starting territory. The New York Jets, led by Adam Gase and Joe Flacco, are currently allowing the most fantasy points to opposing defenses in all of the NFL. While the Chargers have struggled, they have also shown that they can put together solid outings against poor opposition and this game offers the poorest opposition of them all. The Chargers are only rostered in 44% of ESPN leagues.

Other options: Washington Football Team D/ST – WAS vs CIN (40.6% rostered), Cleveland Browns D/ST – CLE vs PHi (45.9% rostered)

For more options for additions to your lineup, check out Mike Reedy’s Waiver Wire article for Week 11, and feel free to reach out to me with questions on Twitter, @KL_Fantasy.

The Undrafted | The QB Chronicles Ryno’s Island

Jax Falcone
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The Undrafted | The QB Chronicles Ryno’s Island

Scott has a 4 man booth for this hard hitting dynasty QB episode. Featuring Ryan (@RealRynos), David (@willson8tor), and producer Kayne (@KayneRob); the four go through a 36 person QB dynasty draft including the 2021 rookies. Where do Lawrence and Fields stack up at this moment in time? Which WR is President Elect Biden most similar to? Is Jonathan Taylor a bust in the waiting? All that and more on episode 13 of The Undrafted. Tune in or be tuned out!

UNtangling the Waiver Wire (Fantasy Football 2020 – Week 11)

Michael Reedy
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UNtangling the Waiver Wire (Fantasy Football 2020 – Week 11)

We have hit the stretch run of the fantasy football season. Some of you are fighting for a playoff spot, others are already thinking about the playoffs. With that in mind, you want to consider who to add off the waiver wire or to acquire at the trade deadline.

Some teams have really easy schedules the rest of the way. The Colts are one of those teams, so you will see multiple Colts players listed in this article as people to add. In Weeks 11 and 12, the Lions have a nice schedule, and those two weeks can be pivotal in your playoff hunt.

Stretch Run – Players with good schedules (Weeks 11 through 13)

QB – Philip Rivers, Jameis Winston, and Justin Herbert

RB – Miles Sanders, Wayne Gallman, David Montgomery, Nyheim Hines, and Ronald Jones

WR – Jalen Reagor, Travis Fulgham, Terry McLaurin, Michael Thomas, and Emmanuel Sanders

TE – Jared Cook, Eric Ebron, and Austin Hooper

Playoffs – Players with good schedules (Weeks 14 through 16)

QB – Deshaun Watson, Matthew Stafford, Tom Brady, and Alex Smith

RB – Aaron Jones, Jamaal Williams, Nick Chubb, Kareem Hunt, Darrell Henderson, Antonio Gibson, J.D. McKissic, and Giovani Bernard

WR – Darnell Mooney, Allen Robinson, Christian Kirk, DeAndre Hopkins, Robert Woods, and Cooper Kupp

Many of the guys mentioned above are rostered so if your trade deadline hasn’t already passed, go get ‘hi. If you have players with bad schedules, I would be actively looking to make some moves. Understanding the schedule at this point in the season can make the difference between a deep playoff push or a first-round exit.

Below are some more available waiver wire adds that can help your team in bot the short and long term.

NOTE: If you are new around here this column refers to players rostered in under 50% of Yahoo, ESPN and Sleeper Leagues.

Quarterbacks

Jameis Winston – Drew Brees got injured and couldn’t play in the second half in Week 10. Winston took over and threw 10 passes for 6 completions and 63 yards. Winston will take over the reigns of the Saints offense, and that makes him someone to look at. 2% rostered on Yahoo, 0% rostered on ESPN, 2% rostered on Sleeper. (5% FAAB)

Tua Tagovailoa – The Broncos and Jets are the next 2 matchups for the Dolphins. Tua has multiple touchdowns in each of the last two games. If you are quarterback-needy and making a playoff push he looks like a nice play. 45% rostered on Yahoo, 32% rostered on ESPN, 51% rostered on Sleeper. (5% FAAB)

Alex Smith – Smith has started two games for the Washington Football Team. He has thrown the ball for 325 yards in Week 9 and 390 yards in Week 10. He’s someone I would look to add at quarterback. The volume of passing is high and the floor is not too bad. 5% rostered on Yahoo, 3% rostered on ESPN, 9% rostered on Sleeper. (8% FAAB)

Other Quarterbacks to consider: Philip Rivers, Gardner Minshew, and Kirk Cousins.

Running Backs

Nyheim Hines – In week 10 Hines turned 12 rushing attempts into 70 yards and a touchdown.  He also had 5 receptions for 45 yards and a touchdown. The schedule is really nice the rest of the way. 41% rostered on – Yahoo, 41% on ESPN, 44% on Sleeper. (5% FAAB)

Salvon Ahmed –  Ahmed had an amazing 85% of the Dolphins rushing attempts in Week 10; 21 attempts for 85 yards and a touchdown. It appears he has emerged as the back the Dolphins will utilize until Myles Gaskin returns from IR. 6% rostered on Yahoo, 7% on ESPN, 5% on Sleeper.   (5% FAAB)

Wayne Gallman – Gallman is one of those players that seems to produce when given a chance. He isn’t overly exciting, but has at least 1 touchdown in 4 straight games, giving him double digit fantasy scores in every week he has started. The Giants have a bye Week 11 and the schedule is far from daunting the rest of the way. Gallman is surprising still only 50% rostered on Yahoo, 30% rostered on ESPN and 59% rostered on Sleeper. (10% FAAB)

Other running backs to consider: Devontae Booker and Kalen Ballage

Wide Receivers

Cole Beasley – Beasley was targeted 13 times and had 11 receptions 109 yards and a touchdown. Beasley could be a sneaky stash for future weeks with his bye in Week 11. 30% rostered on Yahoo, 46% rostered on ESPN, 58% on Sleeper.  (5% of FAAB)

Michael Pittman – Pittman looks to be everything everyone hoped he would be. In Week 10, Pittman was targeted 8 times, which he turned into 7 receptions and 101 yards. 10% rostered on Yahoo, 5% on ESPN, 18% on Sleeper. (10% FAAB)

Jakobi Meyers – Meyers has double digit fantasy points in three straight games.  On Sunday, he threw a touchdown pass to Rex Burkhead. The Patriots have him heavily involved in the offense. 12% rostered on Yahoo, 23% on ESPN, 59% on Sleeper. (5% FAAB)

Other wide receivers to consider: Marquez Valdez-Scantling and Jakeem Grant.

Tight Ends

Jordan Reed – The ‘Niners have a bye in Week 11. Reed did see 6 targets for 5 receptions and 62 yards in Week 10. With the way this season is going at tight end, that makes Reed a very desirable add. 15% rostered on Yahoo, 33% on ESPN, 35% rostered on Sleeper. (5% FAAB)

Logan Thomas – Thomas is averaging 6 targets a game since Alex Smith has taken over at quarterback.  In Week 10, he had 4 receptions for 66 yards. This makes Thomas a viable tight end. 35% rostered on Yahoo, 20% on ESPN and 38% on Sleeper. (3% FAAB)

Thanks for checking out our waiver wire column. For more great content from the Undroppables, follow us on Twitter, follow @MikeReedyFF for more great content, and visit back soon for Mike’s weekly Money Makers and Heart Breakers

 

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